Are You A Minimilast?

Gopher · 11-17-2009, 08:39 AM

Have you ever tried to go camping with the least you can get by with? A friend of mine did tried this and took only a tarp, water, a knife, rope/cord, a pack of trail mix and a few other things. He just went on a two night trip but it was interesting to hear of the creative ways he came up with. Have you ever tried this?

summer · 11-17-2009, 09:04 AM

This is not for me! I am one who takes more than I need, just incase. I want to be prepared for every situation.
Good for your friend. How did he make out?

2coastcamper · 11-17-2009, 03:03 PM

I don't think I would actually classify myself as a true minimalist. I do try to take very little, and on a solo hike-in camp, I only take what I can carry on my back, but my gear usually pushes 30 pounds. I take an actual tent (10 pounds), and that's what probably takes me out of the "minimalist" category. A true minimalist, I'm guessing, takes less than 20 pounds of total gear.

So, I'm not a minimalist ... but I get as close as I can!

P.S. -- Now, when my wife goes (and sometimes a dog), we're deff NOT minimalists. It's a different kind of camping, but we bring darn near 100 pounds of gear! lol

sarahbean · 11-18-2009, 08:13 AM

I wouldn't call myself a minimalist as I find I like my creature comforts a lot more as I get older. At the same time, I hate packing and unpacking any more than I need to so I do try to get by with the least that I can.

2coastcamper · 11-20-2009, 02:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarahbean

I wouldn't call myself a minimalist as I find I like my creature comforts a lot more as I get older. At the same time, I hate packing and unpacking any more than I need to so I do try to get by with the least that I can.

I think that's the best attitude. If you feel like it's worth packing and unpacking, it's probably worth taking. If it's more of a pain to bring along than it is useful ... probably best to leave it at home.

Lovefall · 11-20-2009, 11:45 AM

Wow! No way... I am a packer, I like to know I have enough or more than enough when I'm camping. I don't want to be without. Hey I think it's cool that some people camp this way though. I can imagine if I was backpacking to my camping spot, I would take a lot less!

calanta · 11-20-2009, 12:12 PM

I do try to be but it never seems to work out. Maybe when I was single it would be easier or something but lately it seems I am trying to avoid over stuffing before we head out on trips.

southerngal · 11-20-2009, 01:06 PM

I am definitely not a minimalist. I am more the it is better to have and not need than to need and not have type. I like to be prepared for just about anything.

Gondor · 11-20-2009, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2coastcamper

I think that's the best attitude. If you feel like it's worth packing and unpacking, it's probably worth taking. If it's more of a pain to bring along than it is useful ... probably best to leave it at home.

I hear ya!

My wife and I every time bring a whole bunch of crap, mainly she. But when I'm going with my friends I'm a true minimalist. But to be honest our trips last only 1 to 2 days and one night.

Gopher · 11-24-2009, 11:05 AM

He did very well. He was very creative and went just as summer was winding down. He found a lot of nuts so he supplemented his diet and he wore layers of clothing so it was very easy to sleep in the night when it got cold. He was able to start a fire and fix coffee. I think he has become a minimalist convert. Now when his girlfriend goes with him, he's sunk. He'll have to become a pack mule!